There are many needs for GPS and methods for transmitting GPS position information.
Share GPS for Linux
Needs:
1. Laptop GPS (mouse type or other type) —> Tablet or Phone to run Marine Chart Apps (MxMariner)
2. Tablet or Phone GPS —→ Laptop Opencpn
GPS Availablity Apps:
1. Send Android GPS data from phone to some other device. (also Nmea)
2. Recieve GPS data from Laptop or other GPS device. (also Nmea)
Transmit methods:
1. USB
2. Wifi
3. Bluetooth
and maybe some others.
This category of Suppleimental Software may be essential to operation of Opencpn because it can provide position information, however keep in mind that phones can become discharged fast and you may want a better long term source for position information.
I suggest that you read this page web page about Android GPS Apps
“Using Bluetooth GPS with Android” on L-36 website
Updated July 13, 2013 http://l-36.com/bluetooth_gps_provider.php
1. Good overview.
2. Suggestion to use External dedicated Bluetooth GPS due to battery life and reliability.
3. Bluetooth GPS “pretty good app” and Bluetooth GPS Provider “excellent job of locking”
4. Detailed instructions for Bluetooth GPS Provider.